Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of Colorado's most popular destinations for good reason: five distinct peaks offer terrain for every ability level, from gentle beginner runs to above-treeline bowls that challenge experts. The resort's proximity to Denver (80 miles) and its charming Victorian town make it a complete package that draws over 1.6 million visitors annually.

As part of Vail Resorts' Epic Pass system, Breckenridge shares pass access with Vail, Keystone, and other major resorts. The combination of excellent skiing, walkable historic town, and free bus system creates an experience that works whether you're a family learning to ski or an expert seeking high-alpine challenges.

The Five Peaks

Peak 8 is the hub—home to the main base area, ski school, and the Colorado SuperChair that accesses intermediate terrain. The terrain park sits here, and it's where most first-timers start their Breck experience.

Peak 9 offers the best beginner and lower-intermediate terrain. Gentle groomers, a dedicated learning area, and the Quicksilver SuperChair make this the family-friendly zone. Less crowded than Peak 8.

Peak 7 provides intermediate cruisers and some of the resort's best groomed runs. The Independence SuperChair accesses wide-open terrain that's perfect for building confidence.

Peak 6 is the newest addition, opened in 2013. A mix of intermediate and advanced terrain with excellent tree skiing. Less tracked out than older areas since it requires traversing to access.

Peak 10 is expert territory—steep, often mogulled, and requiring commitment. The Falcon SuperChair serves challenging runs that separate intermediates from advanced skiers.

Imperial Express & Above Treeline

Imperial Express SuperChair reaches 12,840 feet—the highest lift in North America. From the top, you can hike even higher to access Lake Chutes and other extreme terrain above 13,000 feet.

The Imperial Bowl and surrounding above-treeline terrain offers wide-open skiing when conditions allow. Wind and weather can close this area, so check the status before planning your day around it.

Expert-only terrain above treeline requires knowledge and respect. The thin air, exposure, and variable conditions make this serious skiing. Helmets are wise; avalanche awareness is essential if venturing beyond boundaries.

Terrain Parks

Breckenridge's parks consistently rank among North America's best. Multiple parks cater to different skill levels, from small features for beginners to massive jumps and rails for pros.

Freeway Terrain Park on Peak 8 is the main attraction, with progressive features that allow riders to advance through increasing difficulty. The superpipe, when open, draws serious halfpipe athletes.

Eldora Park offers medium-sized features for intermediate park riders. Less intimidating than Freeway but still challenging enough to progress your skills.

Tickets & Passes

Epic Pass provides unlimited access to Breckenridge plus Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and resorts worldwide. If you plan to ski more than 5-6 days at Epic resorts, the pass makes financial sense.

Day tickets are expensive at the window—expect $200+ during peak periods. Advance purchase online offers better rates. Midweek and early/late season provide the best value.

Epic Day Pass offers a middle ground—a fixed number of days at a better rate than individual tickets, without the full pass commitment.

Skiing Tips

Altitude matters. At 9,600 feet at the base, Breckenridge is high. Arriving a day early to acclimate helps. Stay hydrated, go easy the first morning, and don't ignore altitude symptoms.

Avoid Peak 8 on weekends. The main base area crowds badly on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Start at Peak 7 or 9 for shorter lift lines and less crowded runs.

Take the free bus. The free bus system connects all base areas and town. No need to drive between peaks—ride to whichever suits your plans.

Afternoon sun on Peak 9. The east-facing slopes of Peak 9 can get icy in the afternoon. Ski there in the morning for softer conditions.